Method and apparatus for securing a closure member within a container

ABSTRACT

A method for securing a closure member in an open end of a container having a curled or rolled rim is described. Die elements are provided including a container holder, an external pressure pad, and a forming head. A container is supported in said holder and a closure member is inserted into said container just below the curled or rolled rim thereof where it is held in place by said pressure pad. The forming head is then actuated to force or roll the rimmed edge inwardly and crimp the same against the closure member to lock the closure member within said container.

United States Patent Marion et al.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING A CLOSURE MEMBER WITHIN A CONTAINER Inventors: Thomas E. Marion, Baltimore;

Richard D. Collins, Timonium, both of Md.

[ Dec. 18, 1973 2.099055 ll/l937 Ferngren 1 13/120 Z 2.797.303 6/1957 Kershaw 220/67 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 718,871 3/1942 Germany I l3/l20 Y Primary ExaminerCharles W. Lanham Assistant Examiner-Michael J. Keenan Armrne v-Herbert M. Birch et al.

[5 7] ABSTRACT A method for securing a closure member in an open end of a container having a curled or rolled rim is described. Die elements are provided including a container holder, an external pressure pad, and a forming head, A container is supported in said holder and a closure member is inserted into said container just below the curled or rolled rim thereof where it is held in place by said pressure pad. The forming head is then actuated to force or roll the rimmed edge inwardly and crimp the same against the closure member to lock the closure member within said container.

16 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENIED DEC 18 I975 SHEET 10F 3 PAIENIEDUEB 18 1915 3779.191

SHEEI 2 OF 3 J y 7. i

7Z0 i Y M J5 21 J5 2 I A W\\\\ METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING A CLOSURE MEMBER WITHIN A CONTAINER This invention relates to a method for securing closure members within rimmed containers by rolling the rimmed edge inwardly over the closure member and crimping the same into an oval shape against the clo sure member. More specifically this invention relates to a novel forming head which facilitates the rolling and crimping of the rimmed edge.

Heretofore closure means have been secured into rimmed containers by the use of adhesives or heat sealing methods. These methods are not entirely satisfactory since extra steps and machinery are required for applying the adhesive material and drying the same.

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for securing closure members into containers having curled or rolled rims at the tops thereof without the use of adhesives or heat.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for securing closure members into the open end of a tapered or conical container having a curled or rolled edge at the open end thereof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novel forming head for carrying out the method of the present invention. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide several forms of closure members for insertion into the containers of the present invention.

These and other objects of the present invention and attendant advantages thereof will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a partial side elevational view showing a container disposed in the holder of the present invention and a closure member of a first embodiment of this invention held in place by the pressure pad.

FIG. 2 is a similar view illustrating the forming head of the present invention contacting the rimmed edge of the container of FIG. 1 and forcing the same inwardly of the container.

FIG. 3 is a similar view to.FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the crimping action of the forming head of the present invention against the rimmed container edge.

FIG. 4 is a partial view of the top portion of the container of the present invention illustrating the closure member of FIG. 1 locked in its final position.

FIG. 5 is a diagramatic side view of another form of closure means for use in the method of present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagramatic side view of still another form of a closure means for use in the method of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are elevational views illustrating a method and apparatus for securing the closure member of FIG. 6 into a container of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view in section of the forming head of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view in section of the pressure pad of the present invention for use with the closure members of FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. I1 is a side view in section of the container holder of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings in more detail there is illustrated a container 10 which is shown as being of a tapered or conical configuration. However, container 10 may be of any other suitable shape without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. Container 10 is provided with a curled or rolled edge which forms a rim 12 around the top or open end thereof. A closure member or disc 14 is inserted in container 10 just below rim 12. A container holder 16 is provided to support the walls of container 10 while carrying out the method of the present invention. A pressure pad 18 is provided to hold disc 14 in place against the interior walls of container 10. A forming head 20, having an axial bore therein which fits over and around container 10, container holder 16, and pressure pad 18, is provided for camming rim I2 inwardly and crimping the same against disc 14 as forming head 20 is moved in the direction of the arrows indicated in FIGS. 2 and Forming head 20, the details of which are best illustrated in FIG. 8, is provided with an interior bore 21 substantially corresponding to the exterior shape of the container and rim to be crimped. The diameter of the bore is stepped inwardly to define a plurality of juxtaposed annular surfaces of different diameters. The first step defines an annular camming surface 22 which tapers inwardly toward the interior of the bore. The function of camming surface 22 is to force curled rim 12 inwardly as forming head 20 is moved in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2.

A second step defines a second annular surface 24 in juxtaposition to surface 22. Surface 24 acts to hold curled rim 12 in its inwardly rolled position until a third step defining an annular crushing surface 26 in the interior bore of head 20 makes contact with rim 12 and crimps it against disc 14 thereby locking it within container 10. Crushing surface 26 is also tapered inwardly to form a camming surface. This tapered configuration of crushing surface 26 enhances the inward movement of curled rim 12 and results in the rim being moved down and over disc 14 during the crimping operation. The tapered crushing surface 26 also facilitates the formation of an oval shaped crimp as shown in FIG. 4 which provides a superior locking function compared to merely crushing the curled rim l2 flatly against disc 14.

An unique feature of the present invention is that no seat is necessary for the closure means 12 within the interior of container 10. Therefore, all of the die elements are located externally of container 10 which simplifies the handling of the containers and the design of the crimping machine.

Closure member 14 may be a flat disc as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 or may be shaped as shown in FIGS. 5 or 6. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 closure member 14 may be in the shape of a dome with a substantially curved profile and an annular upwardly turned V-shaped flange 15 around the perimeter thereof. A disc of this type facilitates an even better locking action than a flat disc when used in the method of the present invention.

The dies for securing the lids of FIGS. 5 and 6 and the operation of the same are illustrated in FIG. 7 and 8. Fig. 7 illustrates forming head 20 in its upper most position with dome-shaped closure member 14 held within holder 16 by pressure pad 18. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 pressure pad 18 may be shaped to conform to the external shape of dome-shaped closure member 14. However, pressure pad 18 may also be flat, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 or of the configuration shown in FIG. 9. As illustrated diagramatically in FIGS. 7 and 8 pressure pad 18 in a preferred embodiment fits within the bore of forming head 20 and is spring loaded within the same by a coil spring (not shown). In Figure 8 forming head 20 is shown in its lower most position, which it occupies when the crimping step is completed.

Viewing both FIGS. 7 and 8 together the method of the present invention can be readily understood. As forming head 20 moves in a downward direction, inwardly sloping camming surface 22 contacts rolled rim 12 and forces it inwardly. As forming head 20 continues to move in a downward direction annular surface 24 holds rim 12 in its inward position until it is contacted by crushing surface 26. Crushing surface 26 forces rim 12 further inwardly, due to its inwardly sloping surface, and pushes rim 12 into V-shaped flange 15 of closure member 14. As crushing surface 26 continues downwardly rim l2 and flange 15 are crimped together thereby locking closure member 14 incontainer 10.

As best illustrated in FIG. 10 holder 16 is provided with an interior step or groove 17 around the top rim thereof. Step 17 acts as a seat for closure member 14 during the crimping operation.

The forming head, pressure pad, and holder for use in the present invention are shown in more detail in FIGS. 9, l and 11, respectively. Pressure pad 18 of FIG. is designed to fit wholly within bore 21 of forming head of FIG. 9. In a preferred embodiment pressure pad 18 may be spring loaded within the bore of forming head 20 by providing a central bore in forming head 20 for receiving a coil spring 19 disposed about a bolt 27. Bolt 27 is adapted to move freely in bore 25 but is secured to pressure pad 18 by screwing the bottom end thereof into threaded bore 29. See FIG. 10. Forming head 20 is adapted to fit over holder 16 so that in its downward position end surface 23 of forming head 20 will seat against an external step 19 on holder 16.

The container and closure means of the present invention may be formed of paper, plastic, metal, or any other suitable material which may be bent and crimped in accordance with the method of the present invention.

It should be understood that the method and apparatus of the present invention may be modified and changes made therein, as will appeal to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention We claim;

1. A method for securing a closure means within a container having an outwardly curled rim around an open end thereof comprising the steps of:

a. inserting said closure means into said open end of said container;

b. holding said closure means in said container pl just below said outwardly curled container rim;

c. rolling said outwardly curled rim inwardly over said closure means; and

d. crimping said rim against said closure means to lock said closure means in said container.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said container is tapered inwardly from said open end and said closure means is held in position below said rim by pressure pad means disposed externally of said container which forces said closure means against the inner walls of said tapered container.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said rolling and crimping steps are performed by a forming head having an axial bore therein, the diameter of said bore being stepped inwardly to define a plurality ofjuxtaposed annular sufaces, the bore of said forming head being disposed around said curled rim for movement axially thereof, said bore defining a first sloping annular surface which coacts with said curled rim to force said rim inwardly to a position over said closure means as said forming head is moved, a second annular surface to hold said curled rim over said closure means, and a third annular surface for crimping said curled rim against said closure means, said first, second, and third annular surfaces sequentially contacting said curled rim as said forming head is moved axially thereof.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said third annular surface is tapered in such a way that during said crimping step said curled rim is also force inwardly.

5. A method according to claim 2, wherein said closure means is a dome-shaped disc having a convex surface and said disc is disposed in the container with the convex side facing said pressure pad means.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein said disc is provided with an annular flange means for receiving said curled rim as said rim is force inwardly of said container.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said rolling and crimping steps are performed by a forming head having an axial bore therein, the diameter of said bore being stepped inwardly to define a plurality of juxtaposed annular surfaces, the bore of said forming head being disposed around said curled rim for movement axially thereof, said bore defining a first sloping annular surface which coacts with said curled rim to force said rim inwardly to a position over said closure means as said forming head is moved, a second annular surface to hold said curled rim over said closure means, and a third annular surface for crimping said curled rim against said closure means, said first, second, and third annular surfaces sequentially contacting said curled rim as said forming head is moved axially thereof.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said third annular surface is sloped in such a way that during said crimping step said curled rim is also forced inwardly.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said closure means is a curved disc having a convex surface and said disc is disposed in the container with the convex side facing outwardly of said container.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein said disc is provided with an annular flange means for receiving said curled rim as said rim is forced inwardly of said container.

11. An apparatus for securing a closure member within a container having an outwardly curled rim around an open end thereof comprising: forming head means having an axial bore means therein, the diameter of said axial bore being stepped inwardly to define a plurality of juxtaposed annular surfaces, said axial bore of said forming head being adapted for disposition around said curled rim for movement axially thereof, said bore defining a first annular surface which is tapered in order to coact with said curled rim to force said rim inwardly to a position over said closure means, a second annular surface to hold said curled rim over said closure means, and a third annular surface for crimping said curled rim against said closure means, said first, second, and third annular surfaces sequentially contacting said curled rim as said forming head is moved axially thereof.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said container is tapered inwardly from said open end and said closure means is held in position below said rim by pressure pad means disposed externally of said container which forces said closure means against the inner walls of said tapered container.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said pressure pad is spring loaded within the bore of said forming head.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein there is further provided means for holding said con- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. Dated December 1973 Inventor) Thomas E. Marion and Richard D. Collins It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 1, line 6, after "container" delete -pl--.

Claim 4, line 3, change "force" to forced--.

Claim 6, line 3, change "force" to -forced-.

Signed and sealed this lL th day of May 1971 (SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents R PC4050 uscoMM-oc scan-ps9 |.|.S. GOVERNMENT PRINT NG OFFICE "GI O-JG-Sfl, 

1. A method for securing a closure means within a container having an outwardly curled rim around an open end thereof comprising the steps of: a. inserting said closure means into said open end of said container; b. holding said closure means in said container pl just below said outwardly curled container rim; c. rolling said outwardly curled rim inwardly over said closure means; and d. crimping said rim against said closure means to lock said closure means in said container.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said container is tapered inwardly from said open end and said closure means is held in position below said rim by pressure pad means disposed externally of said container which forces said closure means against the inner walls of said tapered container.
 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said rolling and crimping steps are performed by a forming head having an axial bore therein, the diameter of said bore being stepped inwardly to define a plurality of juxtaposed annular sufaces, the bore of said forming head being disposed around said curled rim for movement axially thereof, said bore defining a first sloping annular surface which coacts with said curled rim to force said rim inwardly to a position over said closure means as said forming head is moved, a second annular surface to hold said curled rim over said closure means, and a third annular surface for crimping said curled rim against said closure means, said first, second, and third annular surfaces sequentially contacting said curled rim as said forming head is moved axially thereof.
 4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said third annulaR surface is tapered in such a way that during said crimping step said curled rim is also force inwardly.
 5. A method according to claim 2, wherein said closure means is a dome-shaped disc having a convex surface and said disc is disposed in the container with the convex side facing said pressure pad means.
 6. A method according to claim 5, wherein said disc is provided with an annular flange means for receiving said curled rim as said rim is force inwardly of said container.
 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said rolling and crimping steps are performed by a forming head having an axial bore therein, the diameter of said bore being stepped inwardly to define a plurality of juxtaposed annular surfaces, the bore of said forming head being disposed around said curled rim for movement axially thereof, said bore defining a first sloping annular surface which coacts with said curled rim to force said rim inwardly to a position over said closure means as said forming head is moved, a second annular surface to hold said curled rim over said closure means, and a third annular surface for crimping said curled rim against said closure means, said first, second, and third annular surfaces sequentially contacting said curled rim as said forming head is moved axially thereof.
 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said third annular surface is sloped in such a way that during said crimping step said curled rim is also forced inwardly.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said closure means is a curved disc having a convex surface and said disc is disposed in the container with the convex side facing outwardly of said container.
 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein said disc is provided with an annular flange means for receiving said curled rim as said rim is forced inwardly of said container.
 11. An apparatus for securing a closure member within a container having an outwardly curled rim around an open end thereof comprising: forming head means having an axial bore means therein, the diameter of said axial bore being stepped inwardly to define a plurality of juxtaposed annular surfaces, said axial bore of said forming head being adapted for disposition around said curled rim for movement axially thereof, said bore defining a first annular surface which is tapered in order to coact with said curled rim to force said rim inwardly to a position over said closure means, a second annular surface to hold said curled rim over said closure means, and a third annular surface for crimping said curled rim against said closure means, said first, second, and third annular surfaces sequentially contacting said curled rim as said forming head is moved axially thereof.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said container is tapered inwardly from said open end and said closure means is held in position below said rim by pressure pad means disposed externally of said container which forces said closure means against the inner walls of said tapered container.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said pressure pad is spring loaded within the bore of said forming head.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein there is further provided means for holding said container.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said means for holding said container comprises an interior bore which conforms to the external shape of said container and a step is provided at one end of said bore to provide a seat for said closure means during the crimping of said curled rim.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said third annular surface is sloped in such a way that during said crimping step said curled rim is also force inwardly of said container. 